Hey, I’m Daniel Ohaegbu, your go-to guy for all things Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR). As the Co-founder and Executive Director of the WorkSource Alliance, I’ve been on a mission to transform organizations and systems from the inside out. I approach this work on a personal, interpersonal, and systemic level, weaving my way through academia, industry, and community organizations. I love helping organizations embrace change and foster inclusive cultures that will last. 

When I’m not shaking things up with WorkSource Alliance, you’ll find me running or wielding the mic as a dynamic emcee at various community events, collaborating and championing our community partners. I’m honoured to be recognized as one of the Black Changemakers of Prince Edward Island in 2023. I’m driven by my passion for giving back, inspiring others, and shaping the future of Atlantic Canada. Let’s keep the momentum going! 

Email: daniel@worksourcealliance.ca

Hi, I am Chuchi Soriano, the Operations and Administration Manager at the WorkSource Alliance. In my role, I spearhead the strategic management of operations and administration, contributing to WorkSource Alliance’s growth and efficiency.  

With a career spanning diverse industries and international landscapes, I’ve accumulated over two decades of experience in human resources management, including pivotal roles in human resources for various sectors in the Philippines, such as financial and academic institutions, business process outsourcing, retail, and construction. 

I have a Certified HR Professional (CHRP) designation from the International Federation of Professional Managers (IFPM). My competencies are comprehensive administration, talent acquisition, salary and benefit design, strategic human resources management, and community partnerships. I’m proficient in harmonizing HR initiatives with company objectives, cultivating favourable workplace cultures, and boosting staff involvement.

My approach to human resources management combines creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving to meet any business’s specific requirements. I am enthusiastic about incorporating my experience and capabilities to support how the Atlantic province’s businesses attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent. I look forward to contributing significantly to the growth and prosperity of the region’s dynamic and evolving labour industry. Let’s discuss how I can enhance your organization’s talent acquisition strategies in the unique context of Atlantic Canada. 

Email: chuchi@worksourcealliance.ca

Elisha Baptiste

Program and Marketing Manager

Greetings! I’m Elisha Baptiste, proud to serve as the Program and Marketing Manager at WorkSource Alliance. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, I made the exciting leap to the Atlantic provinces in 2021 to pursue my passion for Marketing and Advertising Management, graduating from Holland College,.  

My journey in Media and Communications began at Birmingham University in England, where I honed my skills and evolved into an experienced multimedia producer. Beyond my professional endeavours, I’m deeply committed to community service, dedicating my time to volunteering initiatives.  

As a former international student, I understand our members’ needs and challenges intimately. This understanding fuels my zeal to develop tailored programs catering to students’ and the Atlantic province’s employers’ evolving requirements. I’m enthusiastic about leveraging my expertise to propel the WorkSource Alliance brand and mission forward.  

I’m thrilled to be part of WorkSource Alliance’s mission to shape a brighter future for our talented members and the community. Let’s connect and explore how we can create meaningful impacts together. 

Email: elisha@worksourcealliance.ca

Rita Olfi

Job Placement and Outreach Coordinator

Hello, I’m Rita Olfi, the Job Placement and Outreach Coordinator at WorkSource Alliance. My role involves connecting job seekers with opportunities and fostering partnerships within the community.  

With dual BBA degrees in English and French, I blend academic rigour with practical experience. I’ve navigated diverse roles, from teaching French to spearheading communication efforts and event planning.  

Guided by a passion for fostering collaborative environments, my expertise lies in building strong community connections, facilitating meaningful engagements, and driving initiatives that positively impact the individuals and organizations within our shared ecosystem. As a multilingual individual, I’m fluent in English, French, and Arabic.  

At WorkSource Alliance, I help to bridge the gap between our members and the job market by implementing impactful outreach strategies and connecting job seekers with the Atlantic province’s employment opportunities. This underscores my commitment to facilitating meaningful career paths within our community.  

Known for dedication and effective collaboration, my personal qualities extend to leadership and problem-solving. I am committed to nurturing positive collaborations and contributing to a thriving work environment.  

Thrilled to contribute to WorkSource Alliance’s mission, I am dedicated to leveraging my diverse background and expertise to propel our organization forward. Let’s embark on this journey together, creating meaningful impact and fostering student development. 

Email: rita@worksourcealliance.ca

Theodora Douglas-West

Communications & Student Support Coordinator

Hello there! I am Theodora Douglas-West, the Communications and Student Support Coordinator with the Atlantic Student Development Alliance (ASDA). I am an international student from Nigeria studying at UPEI, majoring in Applied Communication, Leadership and Culture and minoring in Sociology.  

My academic journey at UPEI has allowed me to hone a diverse group of soft skills that have served as a solid foundation for my current role. As a Communications and Student Support Coordinator, I contribute a unique blend of creative insight and communication skills to our dynamic team. 

In my role, I specialize in crafting vibrant social media content and newsletters that resonate with our audience. Additionally, I play a crucial role in reviewing resumes and cover letters submitted through our job board, ensuring a seamless connection between our members and prospective employers in Prince Edward Island.  

I have a keen interest in encouraging fellow international students to maximize the resources available to them on campus to help with their personal and professional development, which also aligns with the values of ASDA. I also enjoy creative writing on the side.  

In summary, my multicultural background and academic pursuits converge in my Communications and Student Support Coordinator role at ASDA. I am dedicated to enhancing communication channels, facilitating connections, and contributing to the growth of our community. 

Email: theodora@asdacanada.ca 

Tanguy Merrien

Data Analyst and Website Administrator

Hello! I’m Tanguy Merrien, the go-to Data Analyst and Website Manager at the WorkSource Alliance. Currently studying Computer Science with a minor in Physics at the University of Prince-Edward-Island, I bring a unique blend of academic rigour and technical prowess to the organization.  

With a skill set that spans Python, Java, C#, C, Linux, and Shell, I manage WorkSource Alliance’s database, website, and CRM, ensuring seamless integration and functionality. My proficiency extends to GitHub, WordPress and Airtable, making me a versatile asset in various technical domains. Recognized with the ICTC certification in AI and Big Data, I am particularly passionate about the development of AI tools, focusing on generator models.  

My proficiency in developing startups and a commitment to continuous learning empower me to implement innovative solutions that resonate with WorkSource Alliance’s goals. 

Personal qualities like adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and a passion for technology are the cornerstones of my approach. These traits enhance my technical skills and align perfectly with the organization’s dynamic and evolving environment.  

Working at WorkSource Alliance is a fulfilling journey. It aligns with my love for technology and passion for contributing to a noble cause: supporting international students to secure meaningful employment in Atlantic Canada. I am excited to continue this journey with the team, contributing to our mission and exploring new frontiers in technology and international student support. 

Email: info@worksourcealliance.ca

Marcelo Ouriques

Program and Partnership Manager

Hi, I’m Marcelo Ouriques, Program and Partnership Manager at WorkSource Alliance. I’m an experienced employment specialist who focuses on building relationships and helping communities grow.

After working in the hospitality industry for several years, I pursued my passion for Training and Development and upgraded my education. After graduating from Humber College with a Human Resource Management Certificate, I began my career at an Employment Centre in a developing neighbourhood in Toronto.

After five years as an Employment Specialist, I felt it was time for a change, so I moved to Halifax. There, I worked with individuals living with mental health illnesses, helping them find and maintain work and access training and skills development programs tailored to their needs. Following that, I had the opportunity to work with a postsecondary education organization, focusing on helping graduates find employment across Canada and North America.

Having experienced the process of looking for work as an international professional in Canada, I understand the challenges our members face. I aim to leverage my experience and training to help prepare them for the current job market. As a natural connector and reluctant extrovert, I enjoy meeting people and understanding their goals and objectives.

I’m excited to meet members and make connections in Atlantic Canada to help build more inclusive work environments.

Email: marcelo@worksourcealliance.ca

Amin Amou
Program Manager

Amin is a fourth-year international student at UPEI. He moved to Prince Edward Island in August 2019 to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science. Amin aims to finish his undergraduate and pass all the Society of Actuaries (SOA) exams to become a fellow actuary. He is passionate about learning new skills and applying his knowledge to improve systems and support people. In his spare time, Amin is tuned in with events and news from across the globe. He also enjoys playing board games (currently the best chess player on the team), reading books, playing volleyball and futsal.

Amanda Sim
Operations Manager

Khadija Usman

Khadija Usman is a native of Nigeria. She graduated with a distinction in Economics and Business from the University of Prince Edward Island with professional experience in sales and client services. As a team leader in her previous roles, Khadija is passionate about helping young adults and international students thrive in Canada. With projects like 23andhuman, a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting youth in their teenage years and twenties, navigate and address challenges and uncertainties. Khadija volunteers her time to organizations such as the PEI Business Women’s Association and the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada, supporting newcomers during the weekly Friday Friendship Hour. Khadija is an excellent writer and poet and received The MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective writing.

Teresa Tu

Teresa Tu is a manager of workforce streams with the PEI Office of Immigration, driven by her fervent commitment to supporting local employers, newcomers, and international students. Possessing a keen ability to think outside the box, Teresa collaborates closely with partners to devise innovative strategies that not only meet objectives but also foster the successful integration and settlement of newcomers in Prince Edward Island. With her proactive approach and unwavering dedication, Teresa plays a pivotal role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring that individuals thrive in their new home on PEI.

Emma Drake

Emma Drake is from Morell, Prince Edward Island. Following graduating high-school, Emma was selected to participate in the Rotary International Youth Exchange, where she lived in Belgium for one year. Following Belgium, Emma enrolled at the University of Prince Edward Island. At UPEI Emma was elected Vice President Academic & External (‘18-’19) and President & CEO (‘19-’20) of the UPEI Student Union. During her tenure at the UPEISU, Emma was an advocate for international students at the federal level of government, advocating for improving work VISAs and the provincial government level for needs-based-grants and affordable housing. Emma is currently working on finishing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UPEI, volunteers as Chair of the PEI Coalition for Women and Government, and works full-time at Elections PEI. Emma is enthusiastic about continuing to work to support international students in PEI and collaborate with community partners!

Dante Bazard

Dante (he/him) is a Bahamian native who is also a graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island. He obtained his Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and postgraduate at the University of Leicester, where he received his Masters of Science degree in Clinical Criminology. As a founding member of BIPOC USHR (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour United for Strength, Home, Relationships) and ASDA (Atlantic Student Development Alliance), his work involves anti-oppression training, policy advising, and community empowerment. Dante’s latest achievement is his appointment as the first black Commissioner to the Human Rights Commission of PEI. Dante is also working on various publications with the University of Prince Edward Island, analyzing police discourse investigating sexual and physical violent crimes and international students thriving in Prince Edward Island.

Jonah Chininga

Jonah Chininga is the Co-founder and CEO of Woveo, a venture-backed fintech company that’s revolutionizing community savings and credit systems through its cutting-edge community wallet. Accredited by the World Bank for his expertise in Alternative Financing, Jonah has spearheaded Woveo to notable achievements, including winning the prestigious Calgary Fintech Award.

Patrick Farrar

As an operator and leader for several successful businesses, Patrick has launched or grown several businesses, leading efforts to raise millions in financing. Over the past decade, his professional journey has been devoted to the non-profit, social enterprise sector, where he has achieved significant milestones:

 Partnership Development: He has fostered over 500 partnerships, collaborating with global corporates such as RBC, BMO, Manulife, IBM, and Deloitte.

 Financial Impact: He has enabled over $17 million in funding, and his strategic oversight of multi-million dollar P&Ls has played a crucial role in generating an impact of over $690 million.

 Leadership: He’s led dynamic teams, managed up to 31 individuals, and played a pivotal role in hiring and supporting as many as 150 professionals, all while building a nurturing and collaborative culture.

 Passion: With over a decade as an executive in the non-profit, social impact space, his unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and innovation drives his passion for creating positive change.

 Drawing on his experiences, he’s inspired to enhance the support and growth of ambitious business owners.

Elizabeth Iwunwa

Elizabeth Iwunwa is a writer, scholar, and civil servant applying knowledge and expertise in policy development and analysis, people-centred leadership, strategic governance, and evidence-informed advisory to build effective and enduring institutions. Iwunwa possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in global leadership from the University of Prince Edward Island. She is a scholar at Queen Mary, University of London, pursuing a Master of Science degree in International Public Policy. A published writer, Iwunwa’s work documents intersections of the personal and political with Nigerian sensibilities that create global resonances. She is the editor, most recently, of Íjè: An Immigrant’s Voyage into Prince Edward Island Life, an anthology of immigrant life funded by the PEI Arts Grants and published by Pownal Street Press

Mary-Ann Aliu

Mary-Ann Aliu always seeks others’ improvement by identifying opportunities for improvement through strategy development and its execution. She is passionate about people operating at their optimum potential and utilizing all resources available to them. She achieves this through mentorship and is a firm believer in lifelong learning.

At Sekisui Diagnostic PEI Inc., she currently chairs the Diversity and Inclusion committee to improve workplace culture and empower employees to thrive in their respective positions. After hours, she leads a campaign to ensure African international students’ academic excellence, focusing on easing their financial burden and interpersonal empowerment.

Professionally, her work ethic and dedication have earned her recognition for accountability and personal responsibility and customer focus. Consequently, she is entrusted with more responsibilities.

Mary-Ann holds a BSc in Biology, Minor; Psychology from University of Prince Edward Island, PEI and is completing her Master of Healthcare Quality from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario. She is a certified Quality auditor with a keen eye for identifying patterns.

Vivian Beer

Vivian Beer is Manager, HR Strategy for the PEI bioscience cluster, where she develops HR strategy focused on promoting career opportunities, building HR best practices, supporting skills development, and generating public awareness of bioscience career paths. Vivian also has a company that organizes turnkey one-to-one business partnering programs for events which is built on her international sales management experience.

Nathalie Coke

Nathalie is a committed professional with a successful leadership history, business administration expertise, and involvement in community service. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business in Global Leadership from the University of Prince Edward Island, both with distinction.

Her career path at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has provided her with more than ten years of experience, including positions as a Team Leader, Senior Resource Officer, and Resource Officer in the Assessment, Benefits, and Services Branch. These roles required strategic thinking, effective team management, and a thorough comprehension of policy implementation.

Natalie brings a global perspective and a dedication to community service, as evidenced by her volunteer work, which includes serving on hiring committees and boards and organizing charitable campaigns.

Ayo Ogunleye 

Ayo Ogunleye is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in the non-profit and public sectors. He currently works for the Government of Prince Edward Island and has held roles in policy development, program design, board governance, and corporate strategic planning. 

Ayo also serves on the Governance Committee for the BIPOC Business and Professionals Network (BIPOC BPN). With expertise in governance, research, change management, and policy development, he is passionate about fostering positive change and delivering impactful solutions. 

Mc’Edward Jones  

Mc’Edward Jones is a professional in accounting, financial management, payroll, human resources, and business administration with experience in the Private, Not-for-profit, and Public sectors. 

His experience stems from 15 years of providing financial oversight, budgeting, and strategic advising to management, funders and stakeholders. 

He enjoys working with NFPs and community organizations because he believes his contributions can help the organization better serve the community by fulfilling its objectives while remaining accountable to the community and partners. 

He values the power of strong community organizations and their role in influencing necessary positive changes in the local communities. He volunteers with various organizations in numerous capacities within the HRM. 

He loves to sing and does so with various organizations and groups in Halifax. Mc’Edward was born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone and now resides in Halifax with his family. He is looking forward to using his role to contribute to the success of the organization’s current and future strategic goals and overall mandate. 

Hanaa Al Sharief  

Hanaa Al Sharief is an immigration lawyer in Halifax. She also practices in trusts and estates law and estate administration. She is bilingual in Arabic and English with expertise in cross-cultural communications. Throughout her more than 15 years of experience working in Canada and internationally, Hanaa has helped her clients tackle various legal issues. 

Hanaa works with clients to ensure their families are protected and their long-term objectives are met in the most efficient and tax-effective manner. She assists both individuals and corporate clients with estate planning matters, probate, and administration of estates and trusts. Hanaa prides herself on being the first and only lawyer in Atlantic Canada to provide Sharia-compliant estate planning to Muslim clients. 

Hanaa also delivers cost-effective and strategic advice to clients in all areas of Canadian business and personal immigration law. She helps individuals and their families develop immigration strategies to obtain temporary and permanent residence status in Canada. She helps corporate clients transfer and recruit foreign workers to Canada under federal and provincial immigration programs and with compliance reviews and inspection audits. 

Beyond her practice, Hanaa loves helping her community navigate the legal system. She enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family and friends. 

Thivjan Tharmaratnam 

As a dedicated advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Thivjan brings a dynamic blend of leadership, change management expertise, and strategic vision to his work. His career has been defined by building and leading inclusive environments, driving systemic change, and fostering collaboration across sectors. With a focus on empowering individuals and communities, Thivjan has led initiatives that prioritize meaningful engagement, policy innovation, and sustainable development. 

He is deeply committed to creating spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued in workplaces and the broader community. Guided by his lived experiences and professional insights, He strives to advance equity by addressing systemic barriers and promoting a culture of belonging. Whether steering organizational transformation or advising on inclusive practices, his approach is solutions-focused, collaborative, and rooted in the belief that equity benefits everyone. 

Viraf Sarkari 

20+ years of technology management experience with Fortune 500 companies, helping Cynapse craft their processes. Passionate about product management, specializing in mobile, enterprise internet applications and services development. Innovative thinker and creative problem solver with knowledge of products and services through the entire product life-cycle: ideation to go to market. Capable team manager with experience in recruiting, developing, and motivating cross-functional teams.